Safe Work Procedure

Lock-Out/Tag-Out Procedure

PREPARED BY: REVIEWED BY: EFFECTIVE: SUPERSEDES:

HSS HSS & JHSC January 2008 Feb 18, 2004

1.0 PURPOSE:
To ensure that all individuals, college staff/students, and outside parties are protected
from accidental or unexpected activation of electrical, mechanical, hydraulic,
pneumatic, thermal (steam), chemical (natural gas or propane) and all other forms of
energy.

2.0 SCOPE
These minimum requirements are based on de-energization of all energy sources,
which could cause injury or death.
All employees, contractors, students and visitors shall comply with the procedure.

3.0 DEFINITIONS:
Lock-out is defined as the practice of using keyed security devices (locks) to prevent
the unexpected start-up or release of stored energy.

Tag-out is defined as the practice of using tags in conjunction with locks to increase
the visibility and awareness that machinery/equipment is not to be energized or
activated.

Absent Worker is a worker who has placed a lock on an isolation device but is not
available to remove the lock.

4.0 RESPONSIBILITIES:
Responsibility for complying with this procedure is binding upon all employees,
contractors, students and visitors. The employer will instruct all persons (including
those who are new or transferred) who may be required to follow this procedure in the
purpose and use of the lock-out/tag-out procedure.

Project Coordinators or Budget Managers where applicable, are responsible for

ensuring that all contractors are adequately trained in Fanshawe College’s lock-out
tag-out procedures, adhere to these procedures and supply their own locks and tags
for each isolation device.

Health and Safety Services and the Joint Health and Safety Committees will audit this
lockout procedure.

5.0 PROCEDURE
5.1 GENERAL
All equipment shall be locked out to protect against accidental or inadvertent
operation when such operation could cause injury to personnel. Do not attempt to
operate any switch, valve, or other energy-isolating device bearing a lock or tag.

When multi-trades (or persons) are involved in a task, each person involved shall
apply their own lock and tag, using a hasp as necessary .
 5.2 SPECIFIC
5.2.1 Prepare for Shutdown –
Identify all types of energy sources that apply to the equipment/machine
being locked out. Identify types and numbers of lock-out and tag-out devices
required.

5.2.2 Shut Down –

Shut down machine/equipment by the normal stopping procedure (i.e. turn off
valves, switches, stop button, etc.) Visually check to see all motors and other
moving parts have come to a complete stop.

5.2.3 Isolate –
Operate the switch, valve, or other energy-isolating device so that all energy
sources (electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, etc.) are isolated from the
equipment. Dissipate stored energy, such as that in capacitors, springs,
elevated machine members, rotating flywheels, hydraulic systems, and air,
gas, steam, or water pressure, etc., by grounding, repositioning, blocking,
bleeding-down, etc.

5.2.4 Lock-out/tag-out –
Apply an individual lock and tag to each energy-isolating device. Each
workers’ name, date, and reason for lock-out must be printed on the tag.
Where several workers are involved in locking out the same energy-isolating
device the use of a multi-lock hasp may be required.

5.2.5 Verify Isolation of Equipment –

Verify that energy is locked out by pressing all start buttons or activating
controls. Return all controls to the off position and periodically verify isolation
until service or maintenance is complete.

6.0 REMOVING LOCKS AND TAGS

6.1 GENERAL
Upon completion of work, ensure equipment is intact and all tools and other items have
been removed. Check the equipment area to ensure no one is likely to be at risk
upon re-energization of equipment/machine. Locks and tags are to be removed only
by the person who placed them on the machine/equipment.

6.2 SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES

In the event a worker is absent when the locks are to be removed, the absent
worker’s supervisor has the authority to remove the lock provided each of the
following conditions is met

6.2.1 The system is deemed by the supervisor safe to unlock,

6.2.2 Removal is documented on the attached form,

6.2.3 Signatures from the Manager, Health and Safety Services (or
published designate) and a worker member for the Joint Health and
Safety Committee are obtained,

6.2.4 Upon returning to work, the absent worker is immediately notified

verbally by supervisor and in writing by way of the form of the lock
removal.
 Lock-Out Device Removal Form

Lock #(s) ______________________________

Lock owner ______________________________
Lock(s) location(s)____________________________
Removal date
______________________________
Removed by:
Worker’s Supervisor___________________________
Manager EHSS ______________________________
JHSC Worker Member ________________________

Reason for issue: To expand to include Contractors, Visitors and Students; to remove
option for appointment of one person to lock out; to add use of hasp for multi person
lockouts; to include minimum review period of every 2 years.

Next review: January 2010